Walter Jones Undergoes Microfracture Knee Surgery

by John Morgan on Dec 12, 2008 3:14 PM PST

Update II: Beyond what we don't know and what we can't know, but what we can fear, let me add:

This is an excellent chance to see if Sean Locklear can stick at left tackle.

If we can stop being Seahawks fans for a second, consider the severity of this procedure, and given his age and his inability to take strong pain relief, the implications of further play to Walter Jones' life. Microfracture knee surgery does not heal bone cartilage, but creates a substitute for it. My voice doesn't mean a damn, but I sincerely hope Jones considers retirement.

Update: What we don't know is the size of the tear. What we do know is that Jones underwent patella or trochlear groove microfracture. The patella is the knee cap and the trochlear groove is the place on the femur between the two bony ridges which holds the kneecap in place. This mean it is not weight bearing, but also that Jones will not be able to start range-of-motion exercises for several weeks. I do not know the rate of success for professional athletes who have underwent this particular type of microfracture knee surgery, or the very special subset of 34 year old offensive tackles. Jamal Mashburn underwent microfracture for patella femoral irritation and it ended his career.

Barring an unfortunate comeback attempt, This could signal the end of the line for the greatest Seahawk who ever lived. The success rate for linemen who have undergone microfracture knee surgery is low. It's thought advanced age lessens the chance of recovery. Walter Jones turns 35 January 19th.

I have nothing eloquent to fill up this space. I'm dumbstruck and heartbroken.

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Wait, microfracture knee surgery!?

I heard it was just a normal scope.

My God if this is true… Lordy I don’t even want to think about this right now.

by BrianL on Dec 12, 2008 2:31 PM PST reply actions

Am I reading the same article you are?

Holmgren says he’ll be back for next year… or is he lying?

by djafrot on Dec 12, 2008 2:32 PM PST reply actions

He could be right

He says it’s not a weight bearing surface. The timetable for recovery from microfracture surgery and the the timetable for functional athletic recovery from microfracture surgery are very different.

by John Morgan on Dec 12, 2008 2:34 PM PST up reply actions

Well, since Holmgren (and the other couple of sources I've read) aren't saying Walt's done,

I’m not going to yet, either.

Seems a little premature to be hitting “doom and gloom” mode.

by djafrot on Dec 12, 2008 3:00 PM PST up reply actions

I've read that and hope Holmgren is right

Given his age, position and inability to take strong pain relievers, it’s difficult for me to see him returning at anything close to full capacity.

by John Morgan on Dec 12, 2008 3:04 PM PST up reply actions

Damn

Well, good luck, Big Walt, and I wish him the best of luck in whichever endeavor he pursues. Too bad his (probable) depature comes at the end of such a disastrous season.

by J.L. White on Dec 12, 2008 2:42 PM PST reply actions

Thats true, and Willis has played well this year

I had the same thoughts about Walt retiring and I hadn’t even taken into consideration his pain killer issue. It’s hard to see him coming back next year, and I’m not really sure that I hope he does.

by Nate Dogg on Dec 12, 2008 3:37 PM PST up reply actions

Well this sucks. I hope he's on of those rare guys

who can come back from microfracture surgery, but given that he’s 34, I highly doubt it. Like Nate Dogg, I was also starting to lean toward QB, now I’m back to square one.

by LantermanC on Dec 12, 2008 4:40 PM PST reply actions

Like John said, it hinges on what we see out of Lock over the next three games.

by BrianL on Dec 12, 2008 4:43 PM PST up reply actions

Big Walt does not need to return

Especially if his future health is placed in jeopardy by playing even one more season. I’m no doctor, nor do I know specifics of the prodecure, but it would seem Jones has little to gain by attempting to return, and much to lose.

by Gihyou on Dec 12, 2008 5:09 PM PST reply actions

I don't trust Holmgren on injury estimates...

He is routinely wrong, and almost always to the positive side.

If Lock’s good enough, we’ll still have some flexibility. If he isn’t, we’ll have less.

by Hawkdawg on Dec 12, 2008 6:18 PM PST reply actions

As well you shouldn't

I recall a Packer fan posting on another board I frequent way back when Holmgren was hired and he warned of just this. Holmy is never 100% accurate when it comes to talking about players injuries. he has always been overly optimistic. I don;t recall the former Packer players the guy listed, but it was kind of funny to read how long it took them to actually come back, and how fast Mh said they;d be back. Think Deion Branch maybe being ready for the season opener, and when he actually returned (the first al be it brief time)

Like I just said to my Buddy Thingray – When ever Mh speaks on injuries I’m usually left thinking WTF does he mean by that, doubley so with his statements regarding Big Walt.

by Dougula on Dec 13, 2008 2:09 PM PST up reply actions

Oh god.

I’m not ready for life without Walt.

by Phil Hatzenbuehler on Dec 12, 2008 6:41 PM PST reply actions

This is about the same feeling I had last year when Mack Strong was forced into retirement.

In a season full of gut-punches, this was the biggest (and most unexpected) of all. I sincerely hope Walt can come back, but if it risks his health any further to play (like Strong), then it is indeed time for him to hang it up.

God I’m going to miss the big man.

Every day I hear about Seattle sports' failures. Every night I fall asleep to the sound of my own tears.

by Benne on Dec 12, 2008 9:15 PM PST reply actions